mandamus
Americannoun
plural
mandamusesverb (used with object)
noun
Etymology
Origin of mandamus
From the Latin word mandāmus we command
Explanation
A mandamus is an order passed down from a court requiring that an official perform some particular function as an absolute duty. If a public official tries to do his job in whatever way he sees fit, a court might issue a mandamus, telling him, "This is your duty — do it. Or else." Say you're a dogcatcher and you've been looking the other way while Tootles runs free, digging up flower beds. A court might issue a writ of mandamus ordering you to put Tootles in the pound. It's no longer up to you — it's time to bring Tootles in.
Vocabulary lists containing mandamus
Marbury v. Madison (1803)
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United States v. Nixon (1974)
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This Week In Words: July 25–31, 2020
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“While it’s unlikely, it seems to me Cannon’s latest order is sufficiently bonkers that Jack Smith might at least entertain the thought of a mandamus motion,” tweeted attorney Robert Kelner.
From Salon • Mar. 20, 2024
Justin Jones and Justin Pearson file for a writ of mandamus, Federal District Court, in Nashville, against the Tennessee Assembly.
From Seattle Times • Apr. 7, 2023
They were seeking what’s known as mandamus, which is a request to the court to order a government official to take an action.
From Washington Times • Mar. 1, 2023
Branstad, but Dennison was partially overturned as the court held that federal courts could mandate extradition through mandamus.
From Slate • Jul. 29, 2022
His appointment as Councillor was by the King's writ of mandamus which was held, was contrary to the charter.
From The Loyalists of Massachusetts And the Other Side of the American Revolution by Stark, James H.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
